S&P Global and Foundation Unveil $10 Million Initiative to Empower AI Education and Workforce Development

S&P Global Launches StepForward Initiative

In a groundbreaking move to foster a skilled workforce adept in artificial intelligence, S&P Global and the S&P Global Foundation have announced the next phase of their three-year initiative known as StepForward. This ambitious $10 million project aims to prepare young individuals for success in an AI-driven workforce.

Launched in December 2025, StepForward is focused on equipping the next generation with the essential skills required in a rapidly evolving job market. It brings together innovative organizations worldwide that specialize in workforce readiness and AI education. This collective effort is characterized not only by funding but also by harnessing the expertise of S&P Global employees through skills-based volunteering.

Girish Ganesan, Chief People Officer at S&P Global, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, "We’re thrilled to announce support for organizations that embody the innovation and impact we envisioned for StepForward. They are pivotal in reaching young people at critical moments in their educational and career journeys, ensuring they have the skills and confidence to thrive in an AI-driven economy."

The initiative will provide substantial grants to notable organizations, including Generation and MIT RAISE (Responsible AI for Social Empowerment and Education), to implement youth development programs focused on AI and employment preparation across crucial markets.

In collaboration with MIT Solve, the S&P Global Foundation has also identified six regional nonprofits charged with delivering tailored workforce development programs that meet local market demands. These organizations—Bécalos, NavGurukul, NClude, Positiv, She Code Africa, and Urdu AI—will receive targeted funding to enhance AI learning and promote human-centric skills.

Moreover, S&P Global is backing eight strategic collaborators that will carry out various initiatives in line with the aims of StepForward. These include organizations like AI for Good, Goodwall, IIT Hyderabad, and the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford.

The initiative welcomes participation from the UN Youth Office, contributing as a global collaborator supported through corporate funding from S&P Global. This organization possesses a unique global reach, intending to inform over one million young people about the future-ready skills they need to navigate the ever-changing labor market.

Sujatha Menon Zafar, Chair of the S&P Global Foundation, highlighted the initiative's capacity to create pivotal opportunities for young individuals. "StepForward will generate immense momentum in providing young people with access to the necessary skills for tomorrow's careers. By integrating global expertise with regional insights, we're building an ecosystem that delivers both scale and relevance," she remarked.

As part of its ongoing commitment to AI adoption and workforce strategy, S&P Global has previously engaged in educational programs like EssentialTECH and initiated the 'AI for Everyone' employee training sessions. Recent partnerships focus on strengthening workforce development to bolster skills-based career mobility within the company.

Through StepForward, S&P Global envisions not just a generational uplift in skills but a comprehensive framework that aligns educational initiatives with market needs. This strategic investment in the future workforce aims to bridge current skills gaps and prepare the youth for sustainable employment opportunities.

For more information on the organizations involved in StepForward and the commitment of S&P Global to AI education, interested parties can visit their official site at SP Global StepForward.